Lauren Potter of 'Glee' engaged to Timothy Spear

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Former Glee star Lauren Potter is engaged to Timothy Spear.

The 26-year-old actress accepted a promise ring from Spear, her childhood friend-turned-boyfriend, on a romantic picnic Sunday in Laguna Beach, Calif., People reported Wednesday.

"He picked out the ring, made payments on it, and then planned the picnic and the moment to get down on one knee to ask her to promise to be his one-and-only and marry him when they are ready," Potter's mom, Robin Sinkhorn, told the magazine.

Potter and Spears' families have known each other since the couple were babies. The pair, both of whom were born with Down Syndrome, were enrolled in the same infant stimulation classes in Riverside, Calif.

"We've kept in touch over the years, but it wasn't until the kids were reunited while they were both living in Laguna Beach," Sinkhorn revealed. "When Lauren ended a relationship, Timothy immediately asked her out and they have been together since."

Potter and Spear attended the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County gala as a couple in February. The pair were all smiles in a photo Potter shared prior to the event on Twitter.

"Had to bust our my fav @ModCloth dress for the @DSAOC red carpet ball with my boyfriend Timothy tonight!" she captioned the picture.

Potter is best known for playing Becky Jackson on Glee and most recently appeared in Veep Season 5. She works with a number of organizations, including Best Buddies International and the Special Olympics.